VOLUME 29, ISSUE 2 • JUNE 2025. Full issue »
The Movement Disorder Society of India (MDSI) successfully had MDSICON 2025, its prestigious annual conference, February 27 - March 2, 2025 in the historic city of Varanasi, India. Revered as one of the oldest living cities in the world and nurtured by the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi — also known as Kashi — offered a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and intellectual richness for this monumental academic event.
Attracting more than 650 delegates and 85 national and international faculty members, MDSICON 2025 served as an exceptional platform for sharing cutting-edge knowledge and clinical skills in movement disorders. For the first time, pre-conference workshops were introduced on genetics in movement disorders and neurophysiology of movement disorders. These sessions were a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic participation from both students and faculty. Additionally, hands-on workshops on botulinum toxin injections and deep brain stimulation (DBS) were highly appreciated for their practical training and skill development.
Staying true to its tagline, “Movement Disorders: Phenomenology to Technology,” MDSICON 2025 delivered a rich academic program. The scientific sessions encompassed a wide range of topics, from basic clinical approaches to advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic technologies across neurodegenerative, genetic, infectious, and autoimmune movement disorders.
Highlights of the conference included: |
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Newly introduced lightning talks by young faculty on basic and clinical sciences added fresh energy to the scientific sessions. Video-based modules focused on phenomenology and pattern recognition, fundamental to managing movement disorders. Popular interactive segments like debates, video akhada, and the MDSICON Quiz drew packed halls and active engagement from delegates.
“Sessions like video skhada are incredibly effective as learning tools — engaging, entertaining, and fun,” said a neurology resident who attended. “For residents with hectic schedules, these interactive sessions make complex concepts in movement disorders easier to grasp and more enjoyable to learn.”
The conference received nearly 300 abstract submissions, showcased as platform presentations, poster sessions, and video e-posters. The halls remained vibrant with academic discussions throughout.
The Best Award Paper Prize was conferred upon Sudharshana Prakash for her presentation on a “Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion Assay from Skin and CSF for the Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.”
Two noteworthy symposia: |
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In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field, Dr. G.M. Wali, Dr. Achal Srivastava, and Dr. Sanjay Pandey were awarded MDSI Fellowships, inspiring younger generations of neurologists and physicians.
Another major milestone was the formal launch of the National Parkinson’s Network website by Dr. Kishore (President), Dr. Pramod Pal (President-Elect), and Dr. Ravi Yadav (Secretary) during the inaugural ceremony.
International experts, including Dr. Susanne Schneider (Germany), Dr. Roongroj Bhidiyasiri (Thailand), Dr. Robert Chen (Canada), and Dr. Yih-Ru Wu (Taiwan), enriched the scientific program with their remarkable sessions. Their presence, supported by the Developing World Education Programme (DWEP) grant from the MDS-Asian and Oceanian Section, facilitated a valuable exchange of global expertise.
Cultural programs celebrating the heritage of Kashi were also organized to promote public awareness about movement disorders. These artistic and meaningful events were thoroughly enjoyed by attendees.
MDSICON 2025 was widely praised as a comprehensive academic experience, seamlessly integrating foundational clinical knowledge with technological innovations in the field of movement disorders. Dr. Deepika Joshi, Organising Chairperson, extended heartfelt thanks to all delegates, faculty members, sponsors, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society for their unwavering support.
With continued commitment, MDSI aims to advance education, training, and research in movement disorders while raising awareness and improving patient care across the country.
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